President starts countdown timer for APEC 2017

NDO - President Tran Dai Quang started the countdown timer for APEC 2017 in Da Nang, on April 18, as part of his inspection tour to Da Nang for preparations of APEC 2017.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of Da Nang city's People's Committee, Dang Viet Dung, said the event aimed to launch and promote the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders' Week and showed efforts of the city to prepare and welcome this international economic and political event.

"Da Nang city is urgently completing infrastructure, accommodation and services as scheduled while ensuring safety, security and high quality human resources. At the same time, we are actively promoting the event to our people, partners and friends at home and abroad for the success of the upcoming 2017 APEC Economic Leaders' Week," Dung said.

The 2017 APEC Economic Leaders' Week will take place in Da Nang from November 6 - 11 with the participation of leaders from 21 member-economies. This is Vietnam's largest foreign activity until 2020.

On the same day, the President inspected other facilities and works to serve APEC 2017, including the reception hall for heads of delegations, the meeting rooms for the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and CEO Summit, the new terminal at the Da Nang International Airport and the international media centre, among others.

He also held a meeting with the National Committee on APEC 2017 and the People's Committee of Da Nang city on the preparations for APEC 2017.

Speaking at the meeting, President Tran Dai Quang emphasised that the organisation of the 2017 APEC Economic Leaders' Week in Da Nang will help boost the socio-economic development for Da Nang as well as the Southcentral region and the whole country.

He noted that the event will be an opportunity for Vietnam to promote multilateral diplomacy and deepen bilateral relations with leading partners in the region and the world to bring about practical political, economic and social benefits for the country.

He asked the National Committee on APEC 2017 and the People's Committee of Da Nang city to hasten the progress of construction works to ensure the completion as scheduled — particularly the construction at the Da Nang International Airport.

He also asked for careful preparations in all aspects with emphasis on ensuring security and order.